QoE-Aware Efficient Content Distribution Scheme For Satellite-Terrestrial Networks

The satellite-terrestrial networks (STN) utilize the spacious coverage and low transmission latency of the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation to transfer requested content for subscribers especially in remote areas. With the development of storage and computing capacity of satellite onboard equipment, it is considered promising to leverage in-network caching technology on STN to improve content distribution efficiency. However, traditional caching and distribution schemes are not suitable in STN, considering dynamic satellite propagation links and time-varying topology. More specifically, the unevenness of user distribution heightens difficulties for assurance of user quality of experience. To address these problems, we first propose a density-based network division algorithm. The STN is divided into a series of blocks with different sizes to amortize the data delivery costs. To deploy the caching satellites, we analyze the link connectivity and propose an approximate minimum coverage vertex set algorithm. Then, a novel cache node selection algorithm is designed for optimal subscriber matching. On the basis of time-varying network model, the STN cache content updating mechanism is derived to enable a stable and sustainable quality of user experience. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed user-oriented STN content distribution scheme can obviously reduce the average propagation delay and network load under different network conditions and has better stability and self-adaptability under continuous time variation.

Automated summary

This article proposes a user-oriented content distribution scheme for satellite-terrestrial networks (STN) to improve content distribution efficiency. The scheme includes algorithms for network division, caching satellite deployment, cache node selection, and content updating mechanism. Simulation results demonstrate that the scheme can reduce propagation delay and network load under different network conditions and has stability and self-adaptability.